Effie Miller Cochrane

Effie Miller Cochrane, 103, passed quietly on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, North Carolina.

Born and raised in Elkin, she was the daughter of Frank and Verlie Miller. She leaves three daughters, Anne Hunsucker (John) of Newton, Barbara Hester of State Road, and Aleta Henderson of Phenix City, Alabama (Bob); four grandchildren, Karen Lambka (Tim), Michael Hester (Teresa), Debra Collins (Eddie), and Russell Hunsucker; seven great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 67 years, Herbert Ford Cochrane; a sister, Reba Gentry; and five brothers, Junius Miller, Walter Miller, Mason Miller, Raymond Miller, and Franklin Miller.  Also preceding her in death were a grandson, Jack Randall Hester, and a son-in-law, Jack Jacob Hester.

Mrs. Cochrane was very active in the Grassy Creek United Methodist Church where she was a member all of her life.  She helped organize and was a charter member of the Women’s Society of Christian Service and served as its President.  She sang in the church choir, taught Sunday School, helped organize and work in Vacation Bible School, was the Communion Steward for many years, and was a member of the Grassy Creek Quilters.

Mrs. Cochrane was also active in community activities.  She was a volunteer at Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital and was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary.  She was a Girl Scout Leader and a volunteer for the Red Cross Bloodmobile for many years.  She helped organize and was a charter member of the Grassy Creek Extension Homemakers Club and served as its President.  She also served as the District President for the Extension Homemakers and was named Outstanding Club Woman of the Year.

In her spare time, Mrs. Cochrane enjoyed doing many arts and crafts, including painting and all types of needlework. She delighted in sharing these hobbies and taught others how to do them. The homes of her children and grandchildren are adorned with many examples of her handiwork. Another favorite pastime was watching baseball, and she was an avid Atlanta Braves fan. She was also known for her sense of humor and for putting some of the best “country cooking” on the table for her family and friends.

Mrs. Cochrane always set the example for unconditional love and respect for others. Known lovingly by her grandchildren as “Big Mama”, she was the perfect mother, grandmother, aunt, advisor, and friend.  She will be greatly missed.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Grassy Creek United Methodist Church with Rev. John Taylor and Rev. Jim Pritchard officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Elkin Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, North Carolina or to Grassy Creek United Methodist Church. The family wishes to thank the staff of Mountain Valley Hospice for the wonderful, loving care they have provided in addition to her niece Karen Stevenson for her wonderful care and companionship.